From Saul to the Exile

[We apologize for the rough sound of this recording]

There are three tribes that take prominence in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 1-9: Judah, Levi, and Benjamin.

One reason is clear: these were the tribes that were associated with the southern kingdom of Judah! Naturally, a book focusing on the southern kingdom would emphasize these tribes.

Another reason is seen in the function of those tribes: Levi was the priestly tribe. Benjamin and Judah were the royal tribes.

And in our genealogies today, the kings and the priests take a central role. Michael Wilcock says well that “where the real Israel is, there will be the power of David's throne and the glory of Solomon's temple.”

Of course, in the Chronicler's day, the power of David's throne was nonexistent, and the glory of Solomon's temple was greatly diminished. What does this mean for us – who call ourselves the people of God?

Hebrews 2:8-9 says. “At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”

The Chronicler is speaking to people very much like us – people who live in between the “already” of their restoration, and the “not yet” of the fulfillment of God's promises.